3A GIRLS HONORS: Morris’ historic career ends with award

Virgin Valley’s girls basketball program fell just short of its first state title since 1993, losing 51-37 to Spring Creek on Saturday at the Orleans Arena.

The Bulldogs still made plenty of history, though.

Virgin Valley took the top two awards in the Class 3A Southern League as voted upon recently by coaches. Senior center Rachel Morris took Most Valuable Player, and Chimane Creer was named Coach of the Year.

Morris, who has signed with Utah, extended her all-time state record for blocked shots to 597.

The 6-foot-4-inch center led Virgin Valley as a senior with averages of 14.4 points, 12.2 rebounds, 4.7 blocks and 1.8 steals.

Virgin Valley (20-6) also had guard Madison Bowler and post player Jenelle Weythman picked to the all-league first team, and guard Nikki Arquette and forward Cassidy Crandall were second-team honorees.

The Bulldogs won their second straight league tournament, reached 20 wins for the second time in three seasons and also posted a 12-1 record against Class 4A schools.

First-team honors also went to Boulder City guard Taylor McKeever, forward Mallory Bird and center Karlee Koopman; and Moapa Valley guard Ashley Noto.